Explore the elevation of Telluride—set high in the San Juan Mountains at 8,750 feet above sea level, this historic mining town turned luxury resort is one of Colorado’s most scenic and elevated destinations for skiing, hiking, and year-round adventure.
Table of Contents
Where is Telluride?
- Location: Telluride is the county seat of San Miguel County, located in the southwestern region of Colorado.
Town Profile
- Historic roots: Originally founded as a gold mining town in the 19th century.
- Modern identity: Today, Telluride is a premier resort town adjacent to the renowned Telluride Ski Resort.
- Size: The town spans just 2.18 square miles.
- Population: Around 2,400 residents, with many more seasonal visitors for recreation and festivals.
Elevation Basics
- Town elevation: Telluride sits at a lofty 8,750 feet (2,667 m).
- Nearby elevations:
- Mountain Village: 9,545 ft (2,910 m)
- Telluride Ski Resort base: 8,725 ft (2,659 m)
- Telluride Ski Resort summit: 13,150 ft (4,010 m)
- Early settlement: Emerged during the Colorado Gold Rush and was incorporated in 1887.
- Historic significance: Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964 for its mining legacy.
- Outlaw lore: Site of Butch Cassidy’s first major bank robbery in 1889.
- Tourism boom: Began in 1972 with the opening of the Telluride Ski Resort, drawing celebrities and outdoor enthusiasts.
Must-Know Elevation Facts
- Ski resort comparison: Telluride is higher than both:
- Vail: 8,022 ft (2,445 m)
- Aspen: ~8,000 ft (2,438 m)
- Highest town in Colorado: Leadville – 10,152 ft (3,094 m)
- Colorado’s mean elevation: Highest in the U.S. at 6,800 ft (2,070 m)
- Major city comparison: Telluride is far higher than:
- Denver: 5,280 ft (1,609 m)
- Colorado Springs: 6,033 ft (1,839 m)
- State extremes:
- Mount Elbert – Highest point: 14,400 ft (4,401 m)
- Arikaree River – Lowest point: 3,317 ft (1,011 m)
Climate and Activities
- Climate type: Telluride has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons.
- Seasonal ranges:
- Summer highs: Up to 78°F (25°C)
- Winter lows: As cold as 4°F (-15°C)
- Snowfall: Over 150 inches annually, thanks to high elevation.
- Main attraction: Telluride Ski Resort with:
- Over 2,000 acres of terrain
- 127 ski runs for all skill levels
- Gondolas, lifts, and full resort amenities
- Altitude awareness: Visitors should be mindful of altitude sickness at elevations over 8,000 ft. Stay hydrated and acclimate gradually.
Plan Your Trip